Japan got its World Cup qualifying final-round campaign up and running by beating Thailand 2-0 in Bangkok on Tuesday night for its first win in Asian zone Group B.
Genki Haraguchi opened the scoring in the 18th minute at a packed but rain-soaked Rajamangala Stadium, before Takuma Asano bagged the second with 15 minutes left in a victory that was far more comfortable than the final scoreline would suggest.
"This game was very difficult psychologically," said Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic. "After our first match we were under so much pressure and we had to get out from under that.